Some of you have mentioned steaming your veggies in the microwave. You said you steam them "lightly" to preserve the nutrients. However, if you are concerned about preserving the nutrients in your food, I'd strongly suggest you avoid the microwave altogether. I know it's easier and not so much of a mess, but microwaving your food will kill nutrients that are in it - even just lightly. Here's a good article:

I stared eating tons of carrots and have messed my back tooth :) I have tried to chew more and now my dentist have pulled my tooth because it was to mobile. I think that it was just a little bit loose but after eating raw veggies I have messed it up. I will try to be more cautious in the future.

I eat softer foods anyway because my teeth are sensitive now to hard stuff, even nuts. So I eat more oatmeal, yogurt, grilled chicken, fruits not apples but applesauce. I just try to eat softer foods. It is not that bad. I stay away from hard carrots and broccoli. Most things have to be cooked.

As a variation on soup, you can do a vegetable chili. I put in the usual chili stuff - beans, tomato sauce (actually found an all natural tomato based chili sauce, with light spices and good flavor), and I use Morningstar Crumbles (which is soy). Then I add in a bunch of vegies - I just made one and this time I put in zucchini, eggplant, red bell peppers, mushrooms and, of course, onions. It's very low calorie for people trying to lose weight, but it's loaded with fiber and balances out the protein and carbs well. I put containers of it in the freezer and pull one out when I'm ready for the next one.

I'll have to try more soups. I don't like cooking my veggies too much for just the reason you stated - I'm eating them for their nutrients so I don't want to lose them.

I've never tried juicing. My mother has a juicer, but she has lost the instruction book. I'll have to look online and see if I can find out how to use it. The carrot/apple/celery combo does sound good!

Teresa

Teresa

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13 By the grace of God I am what I am. 1 Cor. 15:10

When you steam your veggies you lose a lot of the nutrients we are eating them for...so this is what I do a lot...I have TMJ too. I use all my cruncy veggies in soup so that the nutrients aren't wasted because I don't throw them out in the water...

I also juice...I juice carrots and apple and celery together for an astonishingly delicious drink...you get your vitamins and minerals and you can use the pulp for soups...

Hope this helps! I love it.

I can do ALL things through Christ, which strengthens me. Phillipians 4:16

I would think there are still a lot of clean foods you could eat- oatmeal, eggs, protein shakes, homemade applesauce, hummus, rice, many fruits such as bananas, and any cooked vegetable can have a fairly soft consistency.

Hi, I'm trying to move toward a clean diet. I enjoy eating this way, but I'm having what is probably a strange problem. I have TMJ - have had two jaw surgeries, but still have trouble with crunchy/chewy foods. If I eat very many salads, raw vegetables, nuts, protein bars (basically anything that has to be chewed) my jaw muscles start cramping and I end up with terrible headaches. When I had my last surgery I ended up on pureed foods for over 18 months. Is there any way to eat clean without it hurting?! I've just been eating as healthy as I can and dealing with the discomfort, but I'm afraid it will catch up to me soon - I don't want to have to go back to eating baby food. Teresa

Teresa

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13 By the grace of God I am what I am. 1 Cor. 15:10

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